International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the essential rule book for alleviating suffering in armed conflict. In its modern form, IHL originated, together with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, on the fields of Solferino. It remains embedded in our DNA. As part of their core mandate, national societies create awareness about IHL and assist governments in ensuring that it is respected, and also protect the distinctive emblems such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent. All parts of the Movement are also mandated to act in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Movement, of which four (humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence) have become the cornerstones of principled humanitarian action.
At the domestic level, Danish Red Cross implements its IHL mandate as a member of the National IHL Committee through sustained dialogue with relevant government ministries and training of diplomats, military personnel, etc. It also increases IHL awareness in Danish schools and other fora, and contributes to academic and expert discourse. DRC contributes to setting and shaping the agenda on IHL compliance, e.g. regarding partnered operations, humanitarian access, detention and IHL awareness in the armed forces. The result is that DRC is known as a leading IHL expert in Denmark as well as an influential actor globally.
Read the Danish Red Cross Handbook on the Practical Use of International Humanitarian Law here
